Las Vegas - Ho-hum pool complexes on the Strip compared with WDW Yacht and Beach Club and others?

Looking over the hotels on the Strip, I haven't as yet come across any pool complexes as impressive as some of those at Walt Disney World. For example, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club has a fabulous pool complex that includes:
* A sand bottomed pool (the most unique pool I've ever been in)
* A large ship-themed water slide that crosses over a walk way
* Lazy river
etc, etc.

For those familiar with the Deluxe and Moderate resorts at Walt Disney World, what pool complexes in Vegas compare? Which resorts have impressive water slides and pools you can actually swim laps in? I'm also a fan of the pool complex at Disney's Coronado Springs. Plenty large to swim in and nifty Mayan Pyramid theming. Also love the pool complex at the Polynesian (waterfalls and waterslide in the main pool and a nice deep pool for swimming nestled further in).

Perusing photos of Strip resort pools, they seem like small, crowded affairs better suited for standing than actual swimming. Disney, by comparison, seems to have gigantic pools better fit for what you might expect to do in a pool--swim. I'm not at all a fan of smallish, crowded pools. Do any of the Strip resorts have dedicated lap swimming pools / lanes or child-free hours?

Kindly disregard. Did a little more digging and the MGM Grand pool complex looked decent. No waterslide, but seemed to have good pools for swimming.

IMO, the Vegas pool scene is more about lounging in your Wynn Tower Suites private cabana while dining on a stellar lunch delivered poolside from Tableau (http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/dining/tableau), and finishing up with a cigar and fine tequila/cognac/bourbon. :D

edit to add :
alternatively, it's the loud, crazy and very 'Vegas' pool-party scene. :cool::cool:

Sadly, they tore down the glass bottom pool.

http://img.uphaa.com/uploads/286/glass-pool-2.jpg

Sounds like it would have been right up your alley, and it was rarely crowded!






(btw - look into Mandalay too)

Hi,

Mandalay Bay pool area is excellent with a lazy river and a sandy beach and a huge wave pool with waves about every 90 seconds and about 3-4 feet high.

The Flamingo has a water slide IIRC.

Regards

TBS

Hi,

Mandalay Bay pool area is excellent with a lazy river and a sandy beach and a huge wave pool with waves about every 90 seconds and about 3-4 feet high.

The Flamingo has a water slide IIRC.

Regards

TBS

Thanks Lands and TBS. Booked at MGM Grand, so that's what I'm stuck with. Considered Mandalay Bay but it seemed just a bit too far south of mid-Strip. As far as pool complexes in general, I think my wife and I are spoiled not so much by Walt Disney World pools, but the water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. I believe Typhoon Lagoon has the largest wave pool on earth.

Doing further research, the Flamingo seemed to have nice facilities. Strange though. I did google image searches and YouTube searches, but just didn't see any really nice portrayals of pool complexes on The Strip. Saw a nice special on the Travel Channel once about Vegas' best resort pools, but no longer have it on DVR. And couldn't find it on-demand at the Travel Channel's web site.

As for lounging in a private Cabana at the Wynn plus all you mentioned baccarat_king, sounds lovely. Not in budget for us unfortunately.

Is the MGM Grand likely to have a loud, out-of-control pool scene? It is Vegas after all. If that's the case, we may end up giving it a miss. Ugh. Prefer something more sedate. We try to steer clear of Party Scenes.

Is the MGM Grand likely to have a loud, out-of-control pool scene? It is Vegas after all. If that's the case, we may end up giving it a miss. Ugh. Prefer something more sedate. We try to steer clear of Party Scenes.

Yes in some areas, but they have a ton of "square" type pools (both metaphorically and physically ;) )


FYI - The Flamingo is a nice pool but it's a zoo.

You'll enjoy the MGM.

Yes in some areas, but they have a ton of "square" type pools (both metaphorically and physically ;) )


FYI - The Flamingo is a nice pool but it's a zoo.

You'll enjoy the MGM.

Excellent. Thanks lands! :-) Feeling better about my choice. Mostly hoping not to have to "square" off with loud, obnoxious drunks. So Vegas isn't the best choice for that type of avoidance. Looking forward to side-trips to Death Valley for ghost towns and Zion for hiking.

Here's some pools that are very ho hum. Just large cement ponds: Paris, Harrah's, Venetian or Luxor. Avoid them if you want nice pools.
Excellent choices: Mandaly Bay, Mirage, Ceaser's, Wynn and yes, MGM.

Here's some pools that are very ho hum. Just large cement ponds: Paris, Harrah's, Venetian or Luxor. Avoid them if you want nice pools.
Excellent choices: Mandaly Bay, Mirage, Ceaser's, Wynn and yes, MGM.

Thanks TheBat. Any chance I could "pool hop" at another resort, or are room keys checked on entrance to the pool area? Might be fun to try another pool to see if I want to stay at one of the other excellent choices you mentioned. Half wished now that I'd split my vacation between at least two resorts to see which I like better.

Thanks TheBat. Any chance I could "pool hop" at another resort, or are room keys checked on entrance to the pool area? Might be fun to try another pool to see if I want to stay at one of the other excellent choices you mentioned. Half wished now that I'd split my vacation between at least two resorts to see which I like better.

Splitting might not be a bad idea. It's really not that hard to 'move,' the bell man does all the work.
They will check your room key at MB, Wynn, V, and most others. The lower end properties don't usually check. You may or may not get rejected for entrance at any pool where you're not staying, it's a gamble.

I believe Typhoon Lagoon has the largest wave pool on earth.


Not quite--
http://www.waterparks.com/funfacts.asp


Largest wave pool in the U.S.: Typhoon Lagoon, Orlando, Fla., at 115 feet wide by about 395 feet long, it is the largest in terms of bather capacity, annual visitors, water volume and wave height.

Largest wave pool in the world: Dino Beach Water Park, Shanghai, China, at 181 feet wide by 360 feet long.



I really didn't find the wave pool at Mandalay that nice and it was extremely crowded nearly all the time, and the water looked a little questionable by mid-afternoon. The waves were rather meh. Maybe since I lifeguarded at a water park (Dorney Park's Wildwater Kingdom, near Allentown, PA) I was expecting more than a little blip every 3 minutes.
It was ok to swim laps in the Mandalay wave pool. But if you really want to swim laps, I'd recommend going off-strip. The Henderson Multi-generational center (maybe a 10-15 min drive from the strip) has a great facility, with both indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool is sometimes setup 50m.

For on-strip pools, without throngs of kids, I prefer something along the lines of Treasure Island.

Not quite--
http://www.waterparks.com/funfacts.asp


Oops! Thanks for correcting me. :-)


I really didn't find the wave pool at Mandalay that nice and it was extremely crowded nearly all the time, and the water looked a little questionable by mid-afternoon. The waves were rather meh. Maybe since I lifeguarded at a
...
For on-strip pools, without throngs of kids, I prefer something along the lines of Treasure Island.

Thanks again for the report and info. Don't feel so bad now having given Mandalay Bay a miss. We're more or less locked into the MGM Grand now. Possible to change, but we may stay with what we have.

The is apples and oranges. What the Vegas pool scene offers is a higher level of service, better materials used and an adults-only atmosphere that doesn't need waterslides and inner tubes. This is, after all, a grown-ups playground.

Disney does what it does well, but it's bland to me. No zing. Very plastic, but very safe. Perfect for families.

Encore has a great pool scene, great cabana services and is my one-stop-shop when I'm looking for a lazy day in the sun.



BN

The is apples and oranges. What the Vegas pool scene offers is a higher level of service, better materials used and an adults-only atmosphere that doesn't need waterslides and inner tubes. This is, after all, a grown-ups playground.

Disney does what it does well, but it's bland to me. No zing. Very plastic, but very safe. Perfect for families.

Encore has a great pool scene, great cabana services and is my one-stop-shop when I'm looking for a lazy day in the sun.
BN

Thanks BN. Was reading a Frommer's Las Vegas guidebook that claims most Vegas pools are only ~3ft deep. The idea being that they want you in the casinos. Obviously they want you in the casinos. But is it true about super-shallow pools? Sounds lame for swimming if that's the case, and not at all adult-like in my opinion. Granted many of Disney's pools are shallow as well. I like the older, deep pool at the Polynesian.

Which hotel in Vegas, by the way, has the most "Poly" feel? Disney's Polynesian is one of my favorite hotels. Love the theming. Too late now to change hotels, but I could extend my stay--or scout things out for a future visit.

Thanks BN. Was reading a Frommer's Las Vegas guidebook that claims most Vegas pools are only ~3ft deep. The idea being that they want you in the casinos. Obviously they want you in the casinos. But is it true about super-shallow pools? Sounds lame for swimming if that's the case, and not at all adult-like in my opinion. Granted many of Disney's pools are shallow as well. I like the older, deep pool at the Polynesian.

Which hotel in Vegas, by the way, has the most "Poly" feel? Disney's Polynesian is one of my favorite hotels. Love the theming. Too late now to change hotels, but I could extend my stay--or scout things out for a future visit.

Can't think of one major Vegas pool (and I've been to almost all of them) that only have a 3 ft pool. Back in the rat pack days they did actually have deeeep pools with diving boards at some of the hotels.

I suggest you spend some time on google and youtube. You'll find images and video of every hotel pool on the strip. The only worth a look for you are:

The problem is you said you don't like crowds or the young vegas crowd, which you're going to find at all of them. MGM is huge, so you'll be able to find a section to enjoy and it's very nice.

My prediction is that you'll come back from your trip and feel like a curmudgeon worrying about the crowd, the noise, etc... It's not that bad unless you're looking for it to bother you. That said, you might not enjoy the Palms or Hard rock pool party... :cool:

(BTW - my other prediction is you'll wish you stayed at Mandalay Bay, crowds and all)

Thanks BN. Was reading a Frommer's Las Vegas guidebook that claims most Vegas pools are only ~3ft deep. The idea being that they want you in the casinos. Obviously they want you in the casinos. But is it true about super-shallow pools? Sounds lame for swimming if that's the case, and not at all adult-like in my opinion. Granted many of Disney's pools are shallow as well. I like the older, deep pool at the Polynesian.

Which hotel in Vegas, by the way, has the most "Poly" feel? Disney's Polynesian is one of my favorite hotels. Love the theming. Too late now to change hotels, but I could extend my stay--or scout things out for a future visit.

Vegas guidebooks are so often wrong, as they rarely really do updates and most just reformat what they're sent from resort marketing or from a prior edition. For the most up to date info, always stick with message boards (VegasTripping, LVA, VegasMessageBoard, etc). I'd advise against TA's message board, as it's too unorganized and filled with crap.

Pools are regular depth (at least ONE pool is) at the more adult oriented resorts, especially if it's a newer place (within 10 years). The whole theme gig is pretty well dead in Vegas, especially with the newer properties. I'd say that TI or Mirage might work best for you, but don't let Encore/Wynn, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons or even Signature at MGM slip past you. They all offer quieter scenes, good service and can still accommodate the kiddos.




BN

Can't think of one major Vegas pool (and I've been to almost all of them) that only have a 3 ft pool. Back in the rat pack days they did actually have deeeep pools with diving boards at some of the hotels.

The problem is you said you don't like crowds or the young vegas crowd, which you're going to find at all of them. MGM is huge, so you'll be able to find a section to enjoy and it's very nice.

My prediction is that you'll come back from your trip and feel like a curmudgeon worrying about the crowd, the noise, etc... It's not that bad unless you're looking for it to bother you. That said, you might not enjoy the Palms or Hard rock pool party... :cool:

(BTW - my other prediction is you'll wish you stayed at Mandalay Bay, crowds and all)

Thanks Lands. Glad to hear the 3 ft guidebook statement is bogus. I'm sure I'll be fine with what's on offer at the MGM when I get there. If the scene's not for me, I'll give it a miss. Don't image I'll be spending much time at the pool anyway. Mostly wanted a relaxing place for my wife to hang out if she decides not to go hiking with me.

You know, after touring a half dozen or so resorts, there may be several I'd wish I'd stayed at. I'm practically counting on it! But I feel damn good about the choice I've made with all the help I've received here on FT. I'm committed to having a great time regardless of whatever noise, etc I find. Hey, it's Sin City. Not Salt Lake City.

Vegas guidebooks are so often wrong, as they rarely really do updates and most just reformat what they're sent from resort marketing or from a prior edition. For the most up to date info, always stick with message boards (VegasTripping, LVA, VegasMessageBoard, etc). I'd advise against TA's message board, as it's too unorganized and filled with crap.

Pools are regular depth (at least ONE pool is) at the more adult oriented resorts, especially if it's a newer place (within 10 years). The whole theme gig is pretty well dead in Vegas, especially with the newer properties. I'd say that TI or Mirage might work best for you, but don't let Encore/Wynn, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons or even Signature at MGM slip past you. They all offer quieter scenes, good service and can still accommodate the kiddos.
BN

Thanks BN. Yeah, I typically like using guidebooks for a general intro and reference and go online for more current info. Even the "current" guidebooks are out-of-date by the time they're printed. And like you said, a lot is rehashed from edition to edition. Guidebook writers tend to get paid crap, so I don't necessarily blame them. I blame greedy publishers more interested in profit than quality, timeliness, and accuracy.

When I go to L.V. in warm-weather months, the pool is the MOST important factor in deciding where to stay.

I stayed at the MGM (Signature, actually) last summer, and I LOVED the lazy river. Other than the fact that it was a bit too crowded, the river is a fun, relaxing way to spend a couple hours or more. I'll be back there in 4 months, and I'm already looking forward to it!

(Can anyone here comment on the crowds at the lazy rivers at: Mandalay vs. MGM?)

When I go to L.V. in warm-weather months, the pool is the MOST important factor in deciding where to stay.

I stayed at the MGM (Signature, actually) last summer, and I LOVED the lazy river. Other than the fact that it was a bit too crowded, the river is a fun, relaxing way to spend a couple hours or more. I'll be back there in 4 months, and I'm already looking forward to it!

(Can anyone here comment on the crowds at the lazy rivers at: Mandalay vs. MGM?)

Thanks MJ. The lazy river does sound cool. Is it true that you have to pay to rent tubes at the MGM's lazy river? That seems like unfortunate nickel-and-diming.

Hate to say this but, even though you would think it otherwise, for people who like to swim (and dive), most of the hotel pools here are meh. They are rarely open past 5 or 6 or possibly 8, fuhgeddabout deep water or diving, and if you're very unlucky your hotel's pool is now a disco. Try the Henderson City Pools (http://www.cityofhenderson.com/parks/pools/locations_hours_and_fees.php). As far as the Strip goes MGM and Mandalay are best-of-breed.

Hate to say this but, even though you would think it otherwise, for people who like to swim (and dive), most of the hotel pools here are meh. They are rarely open past 5 or 6 or possibly 8, fuhgeddabout deep water or diving, and if you're very unlucky your hotel's pool is now a disco. Try the Henderson City Pools (http://www.cityofhenderson.com/parks/pools/locations_hours_and_fees.php). As far as the Strip goes MGM and Mandalay are best-of-breed.

Thanks mbstone. Yeah, I'd noticed many of the pools close at 6pm. Or if they're open later, turn into a disco like you mentioned. Currently we're booked at Harrah's due to a great deal and its mid-strip location. But we may try a junior suite at MGM for a few nights to see what, if anything, we're missing.

...but don't let Encore/Wynn, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons or even Signature at MGM slip past you. They all offer quieter scenes, good service and can still accommodate the kiddos.
BN

Are you saying the MGM Signature has a different pool complex from the MGM Grand? Or do they share a pool complex?

I'm reconsidering staying at the MGM Grand. Seeing some decent "celebrity spa suite" specials for May; but none at the MGM Signature unfortunately.

The Golden Nugget has a very unique pool. It has a fish/shark tank in the middle of it with a water slide going through.

Many internet pictures starting here:

http://www.goldennugget.com/amenities/pool.asp

If you're a fan of CSI, you may have seen it featured on an episode (last season I think...).

The Golden Nugget has a very unique pool. It has a fish/shark tank in the middle of it with a water slide going through.

Many internet pictures starting here:

http://www.goldennugget.com/amenities/pool.asp

If you're a fan of CSI, you may have seen it featured on an episode (last season I think...).

Thanks IndyScott. Yeah, the Golden Nugget pool does look cool. I'd seen the shark tank pass-through slide before. Similar to a water slide they have at SeaWorld Orlando's Aquatica, but a lot shorter I'd imagine. I do love water slides. Can't remember which, but evidently there's a hotel on the strip that has 3-4 water slides at its pool complex.

Speaking of pools, anyone know how far a walk it is from an MGM Signature Junior Suite to the MGM Grand pool complex? Also, what is the pool complex like at the Luxor? The Luxor has some very inexpensively priced "pyramid spa suites" for mid-May (something like $80 a night) with a deep soaking spa tub that looks out a window.

Thanks MJ. The lazy river does sound cool. Is it true that you have to pay to rent tubes at the MGM's lazy river? That seems like unfortunate nickel-and-diming.


Yes,...and they're pricey. Very much a profit-maker for the hotel =(

Speaking of pools, anyone know how far a walk it is from an MGM Signature Junior Suite to the MGM Grand pool complex?


They have a moving walkway, it goes pretty quick. One nice benefit is that at the end of it, you end up right next to the pool complex.

Yes,...and they're pricey. Very much a profit-maker for the hotel =(
2 free inner tubes are included with every MGM cabana rental, and if you have kids it's worth it.

Stayed at the MGM Signature (loved it). Checked out the MGM Grand's pool facilities and was unimpressed. Nice for swimming. But the design sorely lacked in imagination compared to even your least expensive property pool areas at Walt Disney World (e.g. Disney's "value" properties like the All-Stars, etc).

The lazy river was closed when I was there (May 17th through May 20th). It didn't say why. Perhaps low occupancy. No problem swimming in the pools--they were sparsely populated. Nothing like the nightmare I'd imagined (standing room only, etc).

Thanks for all the help and opinions. For my money, given the two places, I'll go to WDW if I want a resort / pool experience. And Vegas for gambling and entertainment.